We sat down with Me’sha Bryan playing in Sherlock Holmes and the Poison Wood at the Watermill Theatre.
Who are you playing in Sherlock Holmes And The Poison Wood?
I play Dr Amanda Watson. She is Sherlock’s landlady and partner in crime solving. She’s also a professional nutritionist, social media guru and Mother to pretty much everyone in the show!
What’s the show about?
The show covers a wide range of topics. On the surface, we have the classic mission to thwart the evil doings of Moriarty with Holmes and Watson on the trail to find out who was responsible for the mass poisoning of several environmentalists at a protest camp. However, the show brings us right into the present day where it deals with issues such as eating disorders, relationships between parents and children, friendship, communities coming together, work/life balance, the effect human beings are having on the planet, self discovery… There’s a lot to ruminate on which will definitely connect with many audience members but it’s also a fun show with great songs, comedy and brilliant video projection.
Were you a fan of the Sherlock Holmes stories before?
I haven’t read a huge amount of them but I’ve watched a few of the movies and TV series. The character is so engrained into one’s psyche that when I’m happy I always say that “I am in my own proper atmosphere”. I think there’s a Sherlock quote hidden somewhere inside all of us!
How are rehearsals going?
Rehearsals are going really well. It’s a nice team and we finished tech early so, bonus! I try to be off book before I start a show so that I can really start getting to know my character and experiment in the space without worrying about what I’m saying next. We have two actors sharing the role of Sherlock in this production and, being Watson, I’m on stage with them a lot so my feet have done double rehearsal time and they’re killing me but, aside from that, it’s all good!
Do you have a favourite moment or song in the show?
I don’t have any favourites, no. The entire thing is thoroughly enjoyable.
How did you get into performing?
I was always going to be a performer and work in entertainment. I begged my parents for a karaoke machine and used to make my family sit down and watch while I performed an entire concert for them! I started singing professionally at the age of 9 but was always in school plays etc before and after that. I joined NYMT in my last year of high school then moved to London where I studied music and became a session vocalist whilst performing in West End shows. I’m also a vocal coach for signed artists, TV shows and professional actors. I’m also a BBC trained journalist and have presented and reported for BBC WM and, over the last few years, I’ve branched into acting in TV and film. For me, getting into performing was the easy part. Remaining part of the industry and maintaining a career that sustains you both artistically and financially is the tricky bit but we love it so what else are we going to do?!
How are you finding Newbury and the Watermill Theatre?
It’s very pretty here. The wildlife is amazing. I’ve seen an entire family of badgers crossing the road, a deer which I think was a Muntjac, we have swans, a Muscovy duck and there are about 15 great tits living in a tree right outside my bedroom window. The theatre itself is one of a kind. It’s old, higgledy piggledy and full of character. You can see the workings of the mill as you walk from front of house into the auditorium which is cosy, intimate and has a wonderful atmosphere. It’s peaceful and beautiful here, the team are lovely too and it’s a joy to be part of The Watermill family for the next few weeks.
How would you describe the show in three words?
Touching, silly, brilliant.
A Watermill Theatre and Metta Theatre Production
SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE POISON WOOD
Book & Lyrics P Burton-Morgan
Music & Lyrics Ben Glasstone
FRI 02 FEB 2024 – SAT 16 MAR 2024